In our time of endless choice and opportunity, it’s unusual for a company to specialise in one single thing but this is precisely what Dutch label Bonne are doing. They are making a particular style of double breasted suit affordable to cool cliques around the world. And they’re doing it really well.
The mastermind behind this democratic clothing is a designer called Bonne Reijn. Initially designing a limited batch of black and white two-piece suits in 2014, Bonne, a former Patta employee, has continued to create a new form of expression through a silhouette that separates itself from fashion by being fashion. His army of suit-clad converts are growing by the day.
The suits are entirely unisex, range from XXS to XL and are available in red, blue, black and white, with a limited drop for denim lovers. This is definitely one instance where you’re going to want to dress like your friends.
i-D: So let’s start at the beginning, how’d you come up with the concept of the ‘poor man’s suit’?
Bonne: I worked as a stylist since I was 18 so I’ve been in contact with many people and seen their wardrobes. My opinion is that this is what we miss in our wardrobe. People in Amsterdam aren’t spending a lot of money on clothing so I wanted to start a label that provided good quality for a great price. Also, I wanted to make the suit a key part of the street scene again. Hence the poor man’s suit was born.
What was your motivation for breaking into the fashion world?
I couldn’t do much else. I fucked up school and knew I needed a lot of freedom to basically function as a normal person. After a while, ambition had kicked in and I figured out my biggest dream was to clothe people. Two years ago I started working for a brand named Patta and as a thank you, they helped with the production of my suits. That was around eight months ago now.
Which influential from the past or present would you like to deck out in a Bonne suit, and why?
From the past, I’d choose Salvador Dali, for he was the best-dressed man alive. For me the suit is for everyone, I’ve got kids in Amsterdam on the streets who wear it, but it’s so diverse that even lawyers and housemothers can roll it.
There’s a pretty solid street scene in Amsterdam, what’s it like to be a part of the movement?
It’s inspiring, multicultural and super young. I’ve got kids who are as young as 13 doing photo shoots in the Dutch projects (the Bijlmer), and I’m super flattered that these kids like it. As Gee (the owner of Patta) always tells me, “The youth is the truth!”
You’ve got some solid ties with the guys at Patta, any chance of a collab?
Be on the lookout!
What should we expect from your collection in years to come?
I want to expand abroad. Only I want to avoid the retail stores. They only make my product more expensive. I sell my suits for 170 euros, and I want to keep it that way. Stores always make things twice as expensive.
I’d rather give that opportunity to a young, ambitious kid (like me) with a solid network. They could sell the suits in their country or city, out of their house like I do, and I’d incorporate them a part of the ‘Bonne’ suits brand.
So for all you entrepreneurial kids out there, feel free to hit Bonne up!
Credits
Text Christopher Thompson